On 1 October 2010, orphan designation (EU/3/10/796) was granted by the European Commission to XOMA Ireland Ltd, Ireland, for recombinant humanised anti-human interleukin-1 beta monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Behçet’s disease.

In a context where prevention of ambient air pollution is a real public health issue, questions are regularly asked about the value of recommending that the population wear personal protective equipment. This led ANSES to assess the potential health benefits of wearing "anti-pollution" masks. Its expert appraisal revealed a lack of data demonstrating a health benefit. To reduce the health impacts associated with ambient air pollution, the Agency reiterates the importance of prioritising action at the sou...